Whistle Stop England by Rail

from

£

810

Experience English icons, a number of heritage cities and the tranquil beauty of the English countryside as you traverse the England’s rail network. Smooth rail rides will take you from capital London to York, Liverpool and the Bard’s Stratford upon Avon.

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Landing in one of London's airports use your Britrail pass on the Airport Express rail links to take you to the city centre before journeying across country to the lazy academic city of Cambridge. Famed for its university, Cambridge is home to labyrinthine cobbled parades and squares and the intricate architecture of world-renowned colleges including Kings College, Trinity College and Christ's College. Take a stroll along the Backs, extensive parklands behind the university or take a punt on the river Cam with one of the resident students.

Overnight: Cambridge

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) and London Underground, followed by 1 hour 20 minutes to Cambridge (approx.)*

Day 2 York and York Minster

A rail-ride North with bring you to the stunning medieval city of York with a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore from the cobbles of the famous Shambles, Britain's first shopping street, to the Viking Jorvik Center, the medieval city walls, gates and towers, the opulent Georgian Era Fairfax House and the National Railway Museum current home of the Flying Scotsman. The highlight of course will be exploring the iconic York Minster.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Day 3 The Beatles' Liverpool

This morning take the train to the magnificent city of Liverpool which will be your base for the next 2 nights. Today explore the city which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008. Liverpool is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Beatles Story Exhibition.

Overnight: Liverpool

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours and 20 minutes (approx.)*

Day 4 Chester and Chester Cathedral

A short train journey from Liverpool you'll find the contrasting city of Chester. Historic Chester is home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded "Rows" offering some unique boutique shopping.

Overnight: Liverpool

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 40 minutes (approx.) each way

Day 5 Shakespeare's Stratford

Returning south in to the heart of England head for Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the abundant Shakespeare Heritage in this picturesque, market town of Tudor timberwork buildings. Explore the town including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft. Time-permitting you may want to take the short train ride to Warwick to visit the grandiose Warwick Castle.

Overnight: Salisbury or Windsor

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*

Days 6, 7 & 8 London City

Travel by rail back to the English capital of London to explore this magnificent city. London is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames or enjoy the abundance of museums and galleries the city has to offer.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.